Mass Concrete 1

[jteahan]

Is there an industry-accepted definition of what constitutes a "mass concrete" pour? Can a designer require a mass concrete mix design without telling the contractor which pours are mass concrete pours? Or should a contractor be expected to know which pours are mass concrete pours based on dimensions, etc.?

 

[jheidt2543]

Are you trying to hide something from the contractor? Why not tell him which pours are expected to be mass pours? He surely can't read your mind.

You know the more job specific information you provide in your contract documents, the better the prices are going to be and the fewer problems you will have during the project.

 

[JAE]

I don't think there is a strict definition of mass concrete in terms of a stated volume amount. ACI does have documents on mass concrete (207.1R thru 207.5R and 211.1R and 211.3R) and the various steps in preventing overheating.... and, I think, estimating the heat.

Try

http://www.aci-int.org

 

[ishvaaag]

According to spanish codes mass concrete is not reinforced.

If any rebar is planned, the pouring, better, the structural system, item, or even "material"- can't be thought as mass concrete according to the code.

 

[rowe]

SCDOT defines a mass concrete pour as "any pour in which the concrete being cast has dimensions 5 feet or greater in three different directions. For pours with a circular x-section, a mass concrete placement shall be defined as any pour that has a diameter of 6 feet or greater and a length of 5 feet or greater."

For SC bridges, we don't have to specify because the definition is in the SCDOT Standard Specs. However, if your project is subject to codes that do not address a mass concrete pour, and if internal cracks could be detrimental to the concrete member, I think you would be responsible for dictating how that pour is made (concrete specification, and limits of temp. differentials - and how these are to be tested or controlled).

Many mass concrete pours will have rebar (at least nominal) and for members such as drilled shafts, there may be significant rebar. Although the rebar is near the exterior, there is still a concern about internal cracks/flaws in the interior of the section.

good luck.